Vacuum glazing and method for manufacturing the same

ABSTRACT

A vacuum glazing includes a vacuum layer formed between a first glazing and a second glazing, a spacer provided in the vacuum layer, a frame provided at edge portions of the first and second glazings, and a sealant interposed between the frame and surfaces of the first and second glazings to perform sealing of the vacuum layer. The insulating performance of the vacuum glazing is improved.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 and 35U.S.C. 365 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0163726, filed onNov. 30, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a vacuum glazing and a method formanufacturing the same.

BACKGROUND

Glass may be used for the door of a home appliance. For example, theglass may be used for the door of a refrigerator. If the glass isapplied to the door of the refrigerator, a user has an advantage in thatthe user may easily see foods stored in the refrigerator throughtransparent glass without opening the door.

However, since the glass represents a lower insulating rate due to theintrinsic characteristic of the glass, chilly air stored in therefrigerator may be leaked to the outside through the glass. Inparticular, when the glass constitutes a glazing in a single layer, thelower insulating rate may be a more serious problem.

To compensate for the lower insulating rate, the glass may constitute adouble glazing or a vacuum glazing including at least two glazings. Thedouble glazing may be formed by injecting specific gas, which has alower heat transfer coefficient, between the two glazings.

In addition, the vacuum glazing may be formed by making, in the vacuumstate, the space between the two glazings. The vacuum glazing is moreadvantage than the double glazing in terms of an ability to block heatfrom being transferred to an inside or an outside of glass.

Regarding the vacuum glazing, there are introduced following relatedarts.

-   -   1. Korean Unexamined Patent Publication No. (publication date):        10-2009-0036709 (Apr. 15, 2009).    -   2. Title of disclosure: Vacuum window glass and method of        fabricating the same

The related art has the following problems.

First, as the thicker thickness of an adhesive (glass frit) for bondingthe two glazings to each other is formed (to about 8 mm or more) toimprove the adhesive force between two glazings, heat is transferredthrough the bonding part, thereby forming dew. In addition, an additionheater is required to prevent the dew from being produced.

Second, as the thicker vacuum layer is formed due to the thickeradhesive, the height of a spacer to support the two glazings between thetwo glazings is increased. Accordingly, the spacer may fall down or maynot be stably installed in the manufacturing process of the vacuumglazing.

In addition, when the diameter of the spacer is increased to the aboveproblem, the insulating performance of the vacuum glazing may bedeteriorated.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a vacuum glazing and a method formanufacturing the same, capable of improving insulating performance. Inparticular, the present disclosure provides a vacuum glazing capable ofimproving vacuum performance in an edge portion of a glazing.

In addition, the present disclosure provides a vacuum glazing and amethod for manufacturing the same, capable of improving the bondingproperty and strength of a glazing by applying a metallic frame to apart (the bonding part) at which two glazings are bonded to each other.

Further, the present disclosure provides a vacuum glazing and a methodfor manufacturing the same, capable of lowering heat transfer at thebonding part by using a metallic frame having a lower heat transfercoefficient. In addition, the present disclosure provides a vacuumglazing, capable of reducing a heat transfer coefficient by suggestingthe optimal shape of the frame and thus increasing the length of a heattransfer path.

Further, the present disclosure provides a vacuum glazing in which, as ametallic frame having a lower corrosion property is used, even if dew isproduced at the bonding part, the metallic frame can be prevented frombeing corroded.

The present disclosure provides a vacuum glazing simply manufactured asa glazing is assembled with a frame having an adhesive. Further, thepresent disclosure provides a vacuum glazing and a method formanufacturing the same, in which a frame having an adhesive integratedthereto is mass-produced as separate component.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum glazing mayinclude a vacuum layer formed between a first glazing and a secondglazing, a spacer provided in the vacuum layer, a frame provided at edgeportions of the first and second glazings, and a sealant interposedbetween the frame and surfaces of the first and second glazings toperform sealing of the vacuum layer. Accordingly, the insulatingperformance of the vacuum glazing may be improved.

The frame may include a metallic member, especially, a stainlessmaterial. Accordingly, the strength of the vacuum glazing may beimproved, and the bonding property of the glazing may be improved.

The frame may be coupled to lateral side surfaces of the first andsecond glazings and may have a bent shape. Accordingly, the closecontact property of the first and second glazings may be improved.

The frame may further include a third part coupling a first part to asecond part and having a bent or a rounded shape. Accordingly, the framemay apply elasticity to the first and second glazings.

The first and second parts may be coupled to top and bottom surfaces ofthe first and second glazings, and the third part may be provided onlateral side surfaces of the first and second glazings. Accordingly, thebonding property between the first and second glazings may be improved.

A vacuum layer includes a frame insulating layer interposed between thelateral side surfaces of the first and second glazings and an innersurface of the third part.

Since the sealant is provided between the inner circumferential surfaceof the frame and the outer surfaces of the first and second glazings,the sealing effect of the vacuum glazing may be improved.

Since the sealant is provided between the frame and the top surface ofthe first glazing and between the frame and the bottom surface of thesecond glazing, the sealing effect of the vacuum glazing may beimproved.

The first and second glazings may have a rectangular shape and the framemay include four frame parts corresponding to corners of the first andsecond glazings. Accordingly, the first and second glazings may bestably coupled to the frame.

Since the vertical width of the insulating layer is in the range of0.18-0.22 mm, and the thickness of the frame is in the range of 0.2-1.0mm, the insulating performance may be improved and the stiffness of theframe may be maintained.

Since each of parts of the first and second glazings, which are coupledto the frame, has a lateral-width (w) in a range of 3-10 mm, the sealantmay be stably formed.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of avacuum glazing includes installing a spacer on a top surface of a firstglazing, covering a second glazing on the spacer, manufacturing aglazing assembly by coupling a frame including a metallic material toedge portions of the first glazing and the second glazing, sealing thefirst glazing and the second glazing and the frame by heating theglazing assembly, forming a vacuum layer in a space between the firstglazing and the second glazing by performing pumping through an exhausthole in the second glazing, and filling the exhaust hole with an exhaustfinishing material.

As described above, according to the present disclosure, the frame andthe adhesive may be assembled between the two glazings. Accordingly, theinsulating performance of the vacuum glazing may be improved. Inparticular, the vacuum performance at the bonding part (the end portion)of the vacuum glazing, with which the frame is assembled, may beimproved.

In addition, the frame may include the metallic material, so the bondingproperty of the glazing is improved. Accordingly, the strength in thebonding part may be improved.

In addition, the frame may include a stainless material having a lowerheat transfer coefficient and a lower corrosion property. Accordingly,the vacuum glazing may be configured to represent the lower heattransfer at the bonding part and to represent a stronger propertyagainst moisture.

In addition, the frame is configured to surround the edge portions ofthe two glazings, so the length of the heat transfer path is increasedthrough the frame. Accordingly, the heat transfer coefficient may belowered at the bonding part.

In addition, the frame includes a plurality of parts which are bent orcurved. Accordingly, the close contact property between two glazings maybe improved.

Further, since the glazing may be assembled with the frame having theadhesive integrated thereto, the manufacturing method may be simplifiedand the frame may be mass produced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a vacuumglazing according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration ofthe vacuum glazing according to the first embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line II-II′ of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5A to 5F are views illustrating a method for manufacturing thevacuum glazing according to the first embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of thevacuum glazing according to a second embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration ofthe vacuum glazing according to the second embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line III-III′ of FIG. 6;

FIGS. 9A to 9C are views illustrating a method for manufacturing thevacuum glazing according to the second embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of thevacuum glazing according to the third embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configurationof the vacuum glazing according to the third embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV′ of FIG. 10;

FIGS. 13A to 13C are views illustrating a method for manufacturing thevacuum glazing according to the third embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of thevacuum glazing according to a fourth embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configurationof the vacuum glazing according to the fourth embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along line V-V′ of FIG. 14;

FIGS. 17A to 17D are views illustrating a method for manufacturing thevacuum glazing according to the third embodiment of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 18 is an experimental graph illustrating the comparison betweeninsulating loads measured depending on the thickness of the frameaccording to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, the detailed embodiment of the present disclosure will bedescribed. The spirit of the present disclosure is not limited to theabove embodiments. Those skilled in the art understanding the spirit ofthe present disclosure may easily suggest another embodiment within therange of the same spirit.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a vacuumglazing according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG.2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of thevacuum glazing according to the first embodiment of the presentdisclosure, FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 1,and FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line II-II′ of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a vacuum glazing 10 according to the firstembodiment of the present disclosure may be used for a refrigeratordoor. A vacuum glazing 10 according to the second to fourth embodimentto be described below may be used for the refrigerator door.

The vacuum glazing 10 includes a plurality of glazings 110 and 120 and aframe 150 which is coupled to edge portions of the plurality of glazings110 and 120 to seal the space between the plurality of glazings 110 and120 such that the space between the plurality of glazings 110 and 120 ismaintained in a vacuum state.

The plurality of glazings 110 and 120 include a first glazing 110 and asecond glazing 120 provided at one side of the first glazing 110.Although the direction that the first and second glazings 110 and 120are arranged may be varied depending on a viewing direction, the secondglazing 120 may be provided above the first glazing 110 based on adrawing.

For example, when the vacuum glazing 10 is used for the refrigeratordoor, the second glazing 120 may be formed on the rear surface of therefrigerator door and the first glazing 110 may be formed on the frontsurface of the refrigerator.

The first glazing 110 and the second glazing 120 may be provided in theshape of a thin plate. For example, the thickness of the first glazing110 or second glazing 120 may be formed in the range of 3.5-4.5 mm.

In addition, the first and second glazings 110 and 120 may have, forexample, a rectangular shape. In addition, the first and second glazings110 and 120 may be provided to have the same size or the same shape.

The frame 150 may seal the corners of the first and second glazings 110and 120. In detail, the frame 150 includes a plurality of frame partsarranged along the edge portions of the first and second glazings 110and 120. For example, the plurality of frame parts include four frameparts.

The four frame parts include a first frame part coupled to first cornersof the first and second plate glazings 110 and 120, a second frame partcoupled to second corners of the first and second plate glazings 110 and120, a third frame part coupled to third corners of the first and secondplate glazings 110 and 120, and a fourth frame part coupled to thirdcorners of the first and second plate glazings 110 and 120

The first to fourth frame parts may have the same configuration and thesame shape. The frame 150 may have the rectangular shape having an openinner portion depending on the arrangement of the first to fourth frameparts. In addition, coupling surfaces 155 may be formed on opposite sideportions of each of the first frame part to the fourth frame part. Thecoupling surface 155 may be configured to extend while being inclinedwith respect to four corners of the first and second glazings 110 and120.

The frame 150 includes a metallic member. For example, the metallicmaterial may include a stainless material having a lower heat transfercoefficient. The stainless material has a characteristic representingexcellent adhesion to a sealant 170 to be described.

As the frame 150 is formed of metal, the bonding property between thefirst and second glazings 110 and 120 and the frame 150 may be improved,and the strength may be improved between the first and second glazings110 and 120, and the frame 150.

The first and second glazings 110 and 120 are spaced apart from eachother in a vertical direction. A vacuum layer 180 may be formed in aspace between the first and second glazings 110 and 120. In other words,the vacuum layer 180 may be formed between the top surface of the firstglazing 110 and the bottom surface of the second glazing 120. Thevertical width of the vacuum layer 180 may be formed in the range ofabout 0.18-0.22 mm, and the vacuum pressure of the vacuum layer 180 maybe 10⁻³ Torr or less.

A spacer 130 may be interposed between the first and second glazings 110and 120 to support the first and second glazings 110 and 120. The spacer130 may be provided in the vacuum layer 180 and may have, for example,the substantially cylinder shape. The lower portion of the spacer 130may be supported to the top surface of the first glazing 110, and theupper portion of the spacer 130 may support the bottom surface of thesecond glazing 120.

The spacer 130 may include a plurality of spacers 130. The diameter ofthe spacer 130 may be about 0.5 mm, and the distance between theplurality of spacers 130 may be about 25 mm.

An exhaust finishing member 140 is provided in the second glazing 120.Those skilled in the art understands that the exhaust finishing member140 seals an exhaust hole 125 (see FIG. 5C) formed in the second glazing120.

The exhaust hole 125 may be configured to exhaust gas present betweenthe first and second glazings 110 and 120, such that the vacuum layer isformed between the first and second glazings 110 and 120. The exhausthole 125 may be formed through the second glazing 120 in a verticaldirection.

After the gas is exhausted through the exhaust hole 125, the exhaustfinishing member 140 stops the exhaust hole 125. For example, theexhaust finishing member 140 may include glass frit having a lowermelting point.

The vacuum glazing 10 may further include an exhaust cap 145 provided atan upper portion of the exhaust finishing member 140. The exhaust cap145 may have a cap shape to cover the exhaust finishing member 140 andmay include a metallic material. The exhaust cap 145 may prevent theexternal pressure of the vacuum glass 10 to be applied to the exhaustfinishing member 140, thereby preventing the exhaust finishing member140 from deviating from the exhaust hole 125 or preventing the exhaustfinishing member 140 from being broken.

The vacuum glazing 10 further includes a gas adsorbent 160 (getter).Those skilled in the art may understand that the gas adsorbent 160 mayinclude moisture or gas which may be generated in the procedure ofmanufacturing the vacuum glazing 10. In other words, even though thevacuum layer 180 is formed in the vacuum glazing 10, moisture orpredetermined gas may be produced in the first and second glazings 110and 120 or the spacer 130. The gas adsorbent 160 allows the gas toadsorb thereto, such that the vacuum layer 180 may be maintained in avacuum state. For example, the gas adsorbent 160 may further includenon-evaporable getter activated if current flows. After the vacuumglazing 10 is manufactured, power, which is supplied from the outside ofthe vacuum glazing 10, may be supplied to the gas adsorbent 160 througha wire.

The frame 150 may be coupled to the edge portions of the first andsecond glazings 110 and 120 such that the vacuum layer 10 may be easilymaintained. In other words, the frame 150 may form an edge portion ofthe vacuum layer 180.

The four frame parts constituting the frame 150 include a first part151, a second part 152, and a third part 153. The first part 151 and thesecond part 152 may be coupled to outer surfaces of the first and secondglazings 110 and 120.

In detail, the first part 151 may have a bent shape and may beconfigured to be coupled between a bottom surface 111 and a firstlateral side surface 113 of the first glazing 110. In addition, thesecond part 152 may have a bent shape and may be configured to becoupled to a top surface 121 and a second lateral side 123 of the secondglazing 120.

The thickness of the frame 150, that is, the thickness (t) of the firstto third parts 151, 152, and 153 may be formed in the range of 0.2-1.0mm. If the thickness of the frame 150 is 0.2 mm or less, the frame 150may be broken when the frame 150 is processed. In contrast, if thethickness ‘t’ of the frame 150 is 1.0 mm or more, the heat transfercoefficient of the frame 150 is increased, so that the insulatingperformance of the vacuum glazing 10 may be lowered.

The left-right width of the frame 150, that is, the width ‘w’ of thebottom surface 111 of the first glazing 110, which is coupled to thefirst part 151, may be formed in the range of 3-10 mm. The width ‘w’ maybe equal to the width of the top surface part 121 of the second glazing120, which is coupled to the second part 152.

If the width ‘w’ of the frame 150 is formed to be 3 mm or less, thesealant 170 is not compressed in the space between the frame 150 and thefirst and second glazings 110 and 120 by the sufficient length.Accordingly, the sealing effect may be degraded. In contrast, if thewidth ‘w’ of the frame 150 is formed to be 10 mm or more, since heat maybe excessively lost in the edge portions of the first and secondglazings 110 and 120, the insulation performance may be degraded.

A sealant 170 may be further included in the vacuum glazing 10. Thesealant 170 may be provided in the coupling part between the first part151 and the first glazing 110, and the coupling part between the secondpart 152 and the second glazing 120.

In detail, the sealant 170 may be interposed between the first part 151and the bottom surface 111 and between the first part 151 and the firstlateral side surface 113. In detail, the sealant 170 may be interposedbetween the second part 152 and the top surface 121 and between thesecond part 152 and the second lateral side portion 123.

The sealant 170 may be provided in the state that the sealant 170 isattached to the frame 150. For example, the sealant 170 may be coated onthe frame 150 and may include glass frit. When the frame 150 is heatedafter the frame 150 is coupled to the first and second glazings 110 and120, the sealant 170 is melted to be compressed between the frame 150and the first and second glazings 110 and 120. Through the configurationof the sealant 170, the effect of sealing the coupling part of the frame150 may be increased.

The third part 153 is connected with the first and second parts 151 and152 and may be positioned at the side portions of the first and secondglazings 110 and 120. The third part 153 may have a bent or roundedshape. For example, the third part 153 may have a hemispheric shape. Theframe 150 may apply elasticity to the first and second glazings 110 and120 due to the shape of the third part 153, such that the first andsecond glazings 110 and 120 may make close contact with the upper andlower portion of the frame 150.

A frame vacuum layer 182 is formed among the first and second glazings110 and 120 and the inner part of the third part 153. The frame vacuumlayer 182 may communicate with the vacuum layer 180, and thus the volumeof a vacuum layer provided in the vacuum glazing 10 is enlarged. In abroad sense, those skilled art may understand that the frame vacuumlayer 182 constitutes at least a portion of the vacuum layer 180.

The length of the frame 150 may be relatively increased due to theconfiguration of the first to third parts 151, 152, and 153.Accordingly, the length of a heat transfer path may be increased due tothe frame 150 and thus an amount of transferred heat may be reduced.

FIGS. 5A to 5F are views illustrating a method for manufacturing thevacuum glazing according to the first embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Hereinafter, the method for manufacturing the vacuum glazingaccording to the first embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 5A to 5F.

First, the first glazing 110 is provided. The first glazing 110 may beprovided after the first glazing 110 is cleaned (see FIG. 5A).

The spacer 130 may be provided on the top surface of the first glazing110. The spacer 130 may include a plurality of spacers and the pluralityof spacers may be provided at preset distances. For example, theplurality of spacers 130 may be arranged in the form of a lattice(matrix). The plurality of spacers 130 may protrude from the top surfaceof the first glazing 110 (see FIG. 5B).

The second glazing 120 may be covered on the first glazing 110. If thesecond glazing 120 is disposed, upper portions of the plurality ofspacers 130 may support the bottom surface of the second glazing 120.

The exhaust hole 125 may be formed in the second glazing 120 such thatan exhaust tube 128 is coupled to the exhaust hole 125. As describedabove, those skilled in the art may understand the exhaust hole 125 as acomponent to form vacuum layers 180 and 182 by exhausting gas presentbetween the first and second glazings 110 and 120. In addition, the gasadsorbent 160 may be provided on the bottom surface of the secondglazing 120 (FIG. 5C).

After the first and second glazings 110 and 120 are arranged, the frame150 may be installed at edge portions of the first and second glazings110 and 120. The frame 150 may have the sealant 170 coated on the innersurface of the frame 150.

In detail, four frame parts constituting the frame 150 may be arrangedat respective edge portions of the first and second glazings 110 and 120and coupled to outer surfaces of the first and second glazings 110 and120. In this case, the coupling surface 155 provided on opposite sideportions of each frame part may be coupled to coupling surfaces of twoadjacent frame parts.

After the frame 150 is assembled with the first and second glazings 110and 120, the assembly (hereinafter, a glazing assembly) between thefirst and second glazings 110 and 120 and the frame 150 is heated. Inthis heating procedure, the sealant 170 is melted and compressed to sealthe space between the first and second glazings 110 and 120 and theframe 150 (see FIG. 5D).

Thereafter, the exhaust tube 128 is coupled to the exhaust hole 125, andvacuum-pumping is performed through the exhaust tube 128. Accordingly,the vacuum layer 180 and the frame vacuum layer 182 may be formed (seeFIG. 5E). After the vacuum layers 180 and 182 are formed, the exhausthole 125 may be clogged by the exhaust finishing member 140, and anexhaust cap 145 may be coupled to an outer portion of the exhaustfinishing member 140 (see FIG. 5F). The vacuum-pumping process and theprocess of coupling the exhaust finishing member 140 to the exhaust cap145 may be performed in a vacuum chamber having a vacuum atmosphere.Through the manufacturing method, the vacuum glazing 10 may be easilymanufactured.

Hereinafter, second to fourth embodiments of the present disclosure willbe described. The above embodiments are different from the firstembodiment in the configuration of the frame. Accordingly, the followingdescription will be made while focusing on the difference, and thedescription of the same part as that of the first embodiment will beunderstood by citing the description of the first embodiment. Inaddition, the same part will be assigned with reference numerals of thefirst embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of thevacuum glazing according to a second embodiment of the presentdisclosure, FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating theconfiguration of the vacuum glazing according to the second embodimentof the present disclosure, FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along lineIII-III′ of FIG. 6, and FIGS. 9A to 9C are views illustrating a methodfor manufacturing the vacuum glazing according to the second embodimentof the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9C, according to the second embodiment of thepresent disclosure, a vacuum glazing 10 a including a plurality ofglazings 110 and 120 and a frame 150 which is coupled to edge portionsof the plurality of glazings 110 and 120 to seal the space between theplurality of glazings 110 and 120 such that the space between theplurality of glazings 110 and 120 is maintained in a vacuum state.

The plurality of glazings 110 and 120 include a first glazing 110 and asecond glazing 120. The description of the first and second glazings 110and 120 will be understood by citing those of the first embodiment.

The frame 150 a may be configured to seal corners of the first andsecond glazings 110 and 120. In detail, the frame 150 a may include aplurality of frame parts arranged along the edge portions of the firstand second glazings 110 and 120. For example, the plurality of frameparts include four frame parts.

The four frame parts include a first frame part coupled to first cornersof the first and second plate glazings 110 and 120, a second frame partcoupled to second corners of the first and second plate glazings 110 and120, a third frame part coupled to third corners of the first and secondplate glazings 110 and 120, and a fourth frame part coupled to fourthcorners of the first and second plate glazings 110 and 120

The first to fourth frame parts may have the same configuration and thesame shape. The frame 150 a may have the rectangular shape having anopen inner portion depending on the arrangement of the first to fourthframe parts. In addition, coupling surfaces 155 a may be formed onopposite side portions of each of the first frame part to the fourthframe part and coupled two adjacent frame parts. The coupling surface155 a may be configured to extend while being inclined with respect tofour edges of the first and second glazings 110 and 120.

The frame 150 a may include a metallic material, for example, astainless material. The details thereof will be understood by citing thedescription of the first embodiment.

The first and second glazings 110 and 120 are spaced apart from eachother in a vertical direction, and a vacuum layer 180 a may be formed ina space between the first and second glazings 110 and 120.

In addition, a spacer 130 may be interposed between the first and secondglazings 110 and 120 to support the first and second glazings 110 and120. The spacer 130 may be provided in the vacuum layer 180. The detailsof the spacer 130 may be understood by citing the description of thefirst embodiment.

The vacuum glazing 10 a further includes an exhaust finishing member140, an exhaust cap 145, and a gas adsorbent 160 provided on the secondglazing 120. The details thereof may be understood by citing thedescription of the first embodiment.

The frame 150 a may be coupled to edges of the first and second glazings110 and 120 such that the vacuum layer 180 may be maintained in a vacuumstate. In other words, the frame 150 a may constitute the end portion ofthe vacuum layer 180 a.

The plurality of frame parts constituting the frame 150 a include afirst part 151 a, a second part 152 a, and a third part 153 a. The firstpart 151 a, the second part 152 a, and the third part 153 a may becoupled to outer surfaces of the first and second glazings 110 and 120and may have a linear plane shape. The frame 150 a may have a bendingshape of “⊏” through the configuration of the first to third parts 151a, 152 a, and 153 a.

In detail, the first part 151 a may be configured to be coupled to abottom surface 111 of the first glazing 110. In detail, the second part152 a may be configured to be coupled to a top surface 121 of the firstglazing 120. In addition, the third part 153 a may be configured to becoupled a first lateral side surface 113 of the first glazing 110 and asecond lateral side surface 123 of the second glazing 120.

The thickness ‘t1’ of the frame 150 a, that is, the thickness ‘t1’ ofeach of the first to third parts 151 a, 152 a, and 153 a may be in therange of 0.2-1.0 mm. If the thickness ‘t1’ of the frame 150 a is formedto be 0.2 mm or less, the frame 150 a may be broken when the frame 150 ais processed. In contrast, if the thickness ‘t1’ of the frame 150 may beconfigured to be 1.0 mm or more, the heat transfer coefficient of theframe 150 may be increased, so the insulating performance of the vacuumglazing 10 may be lowered.

The left-right width of the frame 150 a, that is, the width ‘w1’ thebottom surface 111 of the first glazing 110, which is coupled to thefirst part 151 a, may be formed in the range of 3-10 mm. The width ‘w1’may be equal to the width of the top surface part 121 of the secondglazing 120, which is coupled to the second part 152 a.

If the width ‘w’ of the frame 150 a is formed to be 3 mm or less, thesealant 170 a is not compressed in the space between the frame 150 a andthe first and second glazings 110 and 120 by the sufficient length.Accordingly, the sealing effect may be degraded. In contrast, if thewidth ‘w1’ of the frame 150 a is formed to be 10 mm or more, since heatmay be excessively lost in the edge portions of the first and secondglazings 110 and 120, the insulation performance may be degraded.

The sealant 170 a may be further included in the vacuum glazing 10 a.The sealant 170 a may be interposed between inner surfaces of the firstto third parts 151 a, 152 a, and 153 a and outer surfaces of the firstand second glazings 110 and 120.

In detail, the sealant 170 a may be interposed between the first part151 a and the bottom surface 111 of the first glazing 110. In detail,the sealant 170 a may be interposed between the first part 152 a and thetop surface 121 of the second glazing 120. In detail, the sealant 170 amay be interposed between the third part 153 a, and the first lateralside surface 113 and the second lateral side surface 123.

The configuration of the sealant 170 a and the concept that the frame150 a having the sealant 170 a is provided will be understood by citingthe description of the first embodiment.

The length of the frame 150 a may be relatively increased due to theconfiguration of the first to third parts 151 a, 152 a, and 153 a.Accordingly, the length of a heat transfer path may be increased due tothe frame 150 a and thus an amount of transferred heat may be reduced.

Hereinafter, the method for manufacturing the vacuum glazing accordingto the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9A to9C. The description of the manufacturing method made with reference toFIGS. 5A to 5C of the description according to the first embodiment willbe cited.

As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, a plurality of spacers 130 are installed onthe first glazing 110 and the second glazing 120 is covered. Then, theframe 150 a may be installed at the edge portions of the first andsecond glazings 110 and 120. The frame 150 a may have the sealant 170 acoated on the inner surface of the frame 150.

In detail, four frame parts constituting the frame 150 a may be arrangedat respective edge portions of the first and second glazings 110 and 120and coupled to outer surfaces of the first and second glazings 110 and120. In this case, the coupling surface 155 a provided on opposite sideportions of each frame part may be coupled to coupling surfaces of twoadjacent frame parts.

After the frame 150 a is assembled with the first and second glazings110 and 120, the assembly (hereinafter, a glazing assembly) between thefirst and second glazings 110 and 120 and the frame 150 a is heated. Inthis heating procedure, the sealant 170 a is melted and compressed toseal the space between the first and second glazings 110 and 120 and theframe 150 a (see FIG. 9A).

Thereafter, the exhaust tube 128 is coupled to the exhaust hole 125formed in the second glazing 120, and vacuum-pumping is performedthrough the exhaust tube 128. Accordingly, the vacuum layer 180 a may beformed (see FIG. 9B).

After the vacuum layer 180 a is formed, the exhaust hole 125 is cloggedby the exhaust finishing member 140, an exhaust cap 145 may be coupledto an outer portion of the exhaust finishing member 140 (see FIG. 9C).Through the manufacturing method, the vacuum glazing 10 a may be easilymanufactured.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of thevacuum glazing according to the third embodiment of the presentdisclosure, FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating theconfiguration of the vacuum glazing according to the third embodiment ofthe present disclosure, FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along lineIV-IV′ of FIG. 10, and FIGS. 13A to 13C are views illustrating a methodfor manufacturing the vacuum glazing according to the third embodimentof the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 10 to 13C, according to the third embodiment of thepresent disclosure, a vacuum glazing 10 b including a plurality ofglazings 110 and 120 and a frame 150 b which is coupled to edge portionsof the plurality of glazings 110 and 120 to seal the space between theplurality of glazings 110 and 120 such that the space between theplurality of glazings 110 and 120 is maintained in a vacuum state.

The plurality of glazings 110 and 120 include a first glazing 110 and asecond glazing 120. The description of the first and second glazings 110and 120 will be understood by citing those of the first embodiment.

The frame 150 b may be configured to seal corners of the first andsecond glazings 110 and 120. In detail, the frame 150 b may include aplurality of frame parts 151 b, 152 b, 153 b, and 154 b arranged alongthe edge portions of the first and second glazings 110 and 120.

For example, the plurality of frame parts include four frame parts. Indetail, the four frame parts include a first frame part 151 b coupled tofirst corners of the first and second plate glazings 110 and 120, asecond frame part 152 b coupled to second corners of the first andsecond plate glazings 110 and 120, a third frame part 153 b coupled tothird corners of the first and second plate glazings 110 and 120, and afourth frame part 154 b coupled to fourth corners of the first andsecond plate glazings 110 and 120

The plurality of frame parts 151 b, 152 b, 153 b, and 154 b may belinked to each other. In addition, one side portion of the first framepart 151 b may be separated from one side portion of the fourth framepart 151 d. The frame 150 b may have the shape bent several times. Thefirst frame part 151 b may be assembled with the fourth frame part 151 dafter the frame 150 b is assembled with the first and second glazings110 and 120.

The first to fourth frame parts 151 b, 152 b, 153 b, and 154 b may havethe same configuration and the same shape. The frame 150 a may have arectangular shape having an open inner portion depending on thearrangement of the first to fourth frame parts.

The frame 150 b may include a metallic material, for example, astainless material. The details thereof will be understood by citing thedescription of the first embodiment.

The first and second glazings 110 and 120 are spaced apart from eachother in a vertical direction, and a vacuum layer 180 b may be formed ina space between the first and second glazings 110 and 120.

In addition, a spacer 130 may be interposed between the first and secondglazings 110 and 120 to support the first and second glazings 110 and120. The spacer 130 may be interposed in the vacuum layer 180. Thedetails of the spacer 130 may be understood by citing the description ofthe first embodiment.

The vacuum glazing 10 b further includes an exhaust finishing member140, an exhaust cap 145, and a gas adsorbent 160 provided on the secondglazing 120. The details thereof may be understood by citing thedescription of the first embodiment.

The frame 150 a may be coupled to edges of the first and second glazings110 and 120 such that the vacuum layer 180 may be maintained in a vacuumstate. In other words, the frame 150 a may constitute the edge portionof the vacuum layer 180 a.

The first to fourth frame parts 151 b, 152 b, 153 b, and 154 b may beconfigured to be coupled to the first lateral side surface 113 of thefirst glazing 110 and the second lateral side surface 123 of the secondglazing 120.

The thickness ‘t2’ of the frame 150 b may be in the range of 0.2-1.0 mm.If the thickness ‘t2’ of the frame 150 b is formed to be 0.2 mm or less,the frame 150 b may be broken when the frame 150 b is processed. Incontrast, if the thickness ‘t2’ of the frame 150 b may be configured tobe 1.0 mm or more, the heat transfer coefficient of the frame 150 b maybe increased so the insulating performance of the vacuum glazing 10 bmay be lowered.

The sealant 170 b may be further included in the vacuum glazing 10 b.The sealant 170 b may be interposed between inner surfaces of the firstto third parts 151 b, 152 b, 153 b, and 154 b and the outer surfaces ofthe first and second glazings 110 and 120.

In detail, the sealant 170 b may be interposed between the innercircumferential surfaces of the parts 151 b, 152 b, 153 b, and 154 b ofthe frame 150 and the first lateral side surface 113 of the firstglazing 110. In detail, the sealant 170 b may be interposed between theinner circumferential surfaces of the parts 151 b, 152 b, 153 b, and 154b of the frame 150 and the second lateral side surface 123 of the secondglazing 120.

The configuration of the sealant 170 b and the concept that the frame150 b having the sealant 170 b is provided will be understood by citingthe description of the first embodiment.

According to the configuration of the first to fourth frame parts 151 b,152 b, 153 b, and 154 b, since the frame 150 b is provided only thelateral side surfaces of the first and second glazings 110 and 120, thetop surface and the bottom surface of the first and second glazings 110and 120, that is, the front surface and the rear surface of therefrigerator door (when the top surface and the bottom surface of thefirst and second glazings 110 and 120 are used for the front surface andthe rear surface of the refrigerator door) may have smooth surfaces. Inaddition, the interference with another component is not made and abeautiful outer appearance is obtained.

Hereinafter, the method for manufacturing the vacuum glazing accordingto the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13A to13C. The description of the manufacturing method made with reference toFIGS. 5A to 5C of the description according to the first embodiment willbe cited in the present embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, a plurality of spacers 130 are installed onthe first glazing 110 and the second glazing 120 is covered. Then, theframe 150 b may be installed at the edge portions of the first andsecond glazings 110 and 120. The frame 150 may have the sealant 170 bcoated on the inner surface of the frame 150 b.

In detail, four frame parts 151 b, 152 b, 153 b, and 154 b constitutingthe frame 150 a may be arranged at respective edge portions of the firstand second glazings 110 and 120 and coupled to outer surfaces of thefirst and second glazings 110 and 120.

After the frame 150 b is assembled with the first and second glazings110 and 120, the assembly between the first and second glazings 110 and120 and the frame 150 b is heated. In this heating procedure, thesealant 170 b is melted and compressed to seal the space between thefirst and second glazings 110 and 120 and the frame 150 b (see FIG.13A).

Thereafter, the exhaust tube 125 is coupled to the exhaust hole 125formed in the second glazing 120, and vacuum-pumping is performedthrough the exhaust tube 128. Accordingly, the vacuum layer 180 b may beformed (see FIG. 13B).

After the vacuum layer 180 b is formed, the exhaust hole 125 is cloggedby the exhaust finishing member 140, an exhaust cap 145 may be coupledto an outer portion of the exhaust finishing member 140 (see FIG. 5F).Through the manufacturing method, the vacuum glazing 10 b may be easilymanufactured.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of thevacuum glazing according to a fourth embodiment of the presentdisclosure and FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view illustrating theconfiguration of the vacuum glazing according to the fourth embodimentof the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along lineV-V′ of FIG. 14, and FIGS. 17A to 17D are views illustrating a methodfor manufacturing the vacuum glazing according to the third embodimentof the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 14 to 17D, according to the fourth embodiment of thepresent disclosure, a vacuum glazing 10 c including a plurality ofglazings 110 and 120 and a frame 150 c which is interposed between theplurality of glazings 110 and 120 to seal the space between theplurality of glazings 110 and 120 such that the space between theplurality of glazings 110 and 120 is maintained in a vacuum state.

The plurality of glazings 110 and 120 include the first glazing 110 andthe second glazing 120. The description of the first and second glazings110 and 120 will be understood by citing those of the first embodiment.

The frame 150 c is compressed between the first and second glazings 110and 120 to seal the space between the first and second glazings 110 and120. In detail, the frame 150 c includes a plurality of frame parts 151c, 152 c, 153 c, and 154 c. The plurality of frame parts 151 c, 152 c,153 c, and 154 c may be linked to each other. The frame 150 c may havethe shape bent several times.

The first to fourth frame parts 151 c, 152 c, 153 c, and 154 c may havemutually different configurations and shapes. The frame 150 c may havethe shape of a rectangular frame having an open inner portion dependingon the arrangement of the first to fourth frame parts.

The frame 15 c may include a metallic material, for example, a stainlessmaterial. The details thereof will be understood by citing thedescription of the first embodiment.

The first and second glazings 110 and 120 are spaced apart from eachother in a vertical direction, and a vacuum layer 180 c may be formed ina space between the first and second glazings 110 and 120.

In addition, a spacer 130 may be interposed between the first and secondglazings 110 and 120 to support the first and second glazings 110 and120. The spacer 130 may be interposed in the vacuum layer 180 c. Thedetails of the spacer 130 may be understood by citing the description ofthe first embodiment.

The vacuum glazing 10 a further includes an exhaust finishing member140, an exhaust cap 145, and a gas adsorbent 160 provided on the secondglazing 120. The details thereof may be understood by citing thedescription of the first embodiment.

The frame 150 c may be coupled to edge portions of the first and secondglazings 110 and 120 such that the vacuum layer 180 may be maintained ina vacuum state. In other words, the frame 150 c may constitute the edgeportion of the vacuum layer 180 c.

The first to fourth frame parts 151 c, 152 c, 153 c, and 154 c may beconfigured to be coupled to the first lateral side surface 114 of thefirst glazing 110 and the second lateral side surface 124 of the secondglazing 120.

The thickness ‘t3’ of the frame 150 c may be in the range of 0.1-1.0 mm.If the thickness of the frame 150 c is formed to be 0.1 mm or less, thevertical width of the vacuum layer 18 c is significantly reduced andthus the insulating performance is degraded. In contrast, if thethickness ‘t3’ of the frame 150 c may be configured to be 1.0 mm ormore, the heat transfer coefficient of the frame 150 may be increased sothe insulating performance of the vacuum glazing 10 may be lowered.

The left-right width of the frame 150 c, that is, the width ‘w3’ of atop surface 114 of the first glazing 110, which is coupled to the frame150 c, may be formed in the range of 3-10 mm. The width ‘w3’ may be thewidth of the bottom surface 124 of the second glazing 120 couple to theframe 150 c.

If the width ‘w’ of the frame 150 c is formed to be 3 mm or less, thesealant 170 c is not compressed in the space between the frame 150 c andthe first and second glazings 110 and 120 by the sufficient length.Accordingly, the sealing effect may be degraded. In contrast, if thewidth ‘w3’ of the frame 150 c is formed to be 10 mm or more, since heatmay be excessively lost in the edges of the first and second glazings110 and 120, the insulation performance may be degraded.

The sealant 170 c may be further included in the vacuum glazing 10 c.The sealant 170 c may be provided between bottom surfaces of the firstto fourth frame parts 151 c, 152 c, 153 c, and 154 c and the top surface114 of the first glazing 110, and may be provided between top surfacesof the first to fourth frame parts 151 c, 152 c, 153 c, and 154 c andthe bottom surface 124 of the second glazing 120.

The configuration of the sealant 170 c and the concept that the frame150 c having the sealant 170 c is provided will be understood by citingthe description of the first embodiment.

According to the configuration of the first to fourth frame parts 151 c,152 c, 153 c, and 154 c, since the frame 150 c may be interposed betweenthe first and second glazings 110 and 120, the frame 150 c may not beexposed out of the first and second glazings 110 and 120. Accordingly,when the vacuum glazing 10 c is used for the refrigerator door, thefront surface and the rear surface of the door may be smooth. Inaddition, the interface with another component may not be made and thebeautiful outer appearance may be made.

Hereinafter, the method for manufacturing the vacuum glazing accordingto the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17Ato 17D. The description of the manufacturing method made with referenceto FIGS. 5A and 5B of the description according to the first embodimentwill be cited in the present embodiment.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, after a plurality of spacers 130 areinstalled on the first glazing 110, the frame 150 c may be installed onthe edge of the top surface of the first glazing 110. The frame 150 cmay have a sealant 170 c coated on the frame 150 c (see FIG. 17A).

The second glazing 120 may be covered on the frame 150 c (see FIG. 17B).After the frame 150 c is interposed between the first and secondglazings 110 and 120, the assembly between the first and second glazings110 and 120 and the frame 150 c is heated. In this heating procedure,the sealant 170 c is melted and compressed to seal the space between thefirst and second glazings 110 and 120 and the frame 150 c (see FIG.13A).

Thereafter, the exhaust tube 128 is coupled to the exhaust hole 125formed in the second glazing 120, and vacuum-pumping is performedthrough the exhaust tube 128. Accordingly, the vacuum layer 180 c may beformed (see FIG. 17C).

After the vacuum layer 180 c is formed, the exhaust hole 125 is cloggedby the exhaust finishing member 140, an exhaust cap 145 may be coupledto an outer portion of the exhaust finishing member 140 (see FIG. 17D).Through the manufacturing method, the vacuum glazing 10 c may be easilymanufactured.

FIG. 18 is an experimental graph illustrating the comparison betweeninsulating loads measured depending on the thickness of the frameaccording to the present disclosure.

The insulating performance may be varied depending on the thickness ofthe frame according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. In theabove description, it is suggested that the thicknesses of the frames150, 150 a, and 150 b described in the first to third embodiments are inthe range of 0.2-1.0 mm.

For example, FIG. 18 is a graph showing the comparison between therelated art and the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 18, reference sign A on a horizontal axis representsthat only the sealant is provided instead of the frame between the firstand second glazings. A vertical axis represents an insulating load, thatis, a heat transfer load value. Those skilled in the art may understandthat an amount of transferred heat is increased if the insulating loadis increased.

Reference signs B1 and B3 represent the thickness of the frame 150 aaccording to the second embodiment. In detail, reference sign B1represents that the thickness t1 of the frame 150 a is 0.2 mm, referencesignal B2 represents that the thickness t1 of the frame 150 a is 0.5 mm,and reference sign B3 represents that the thickness t1 of the frame 150a is 1.0 mm.

As known in graph, both reference signs B1 and B3 may represent a lessinsulating load as compared with reference sign. In summary, accordingto the embodiment of the present disclosure, as compared to the relatedart, the insulting performance of the vacuum glazing may be improved.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vacuum glazing comprising: a first glazing thatdefines a first surface; a second glazing located at a side of the firstglazing and spaced apart from the first glazing, the second glazingdefining a second surface that faces the first surface; a vacuum layerdefined between the first surface of the first glazing and the secondsurface of the second glazing; a spacer located in the vacuum layer andconfigured to support the first glazing and the second glazing; a framethat is located at edge portions of the first glazing and the secondglazing, that faces each of the first glazing and the second glazing,and that is located between the first surface of the first glazing andthe second surface of the second glazing, wherein the frame defines thevacuum layer with the first surface of the first glazing and the secondsurface of the second glazing; and a sealant that is provided betweenthe frame and at least one surface of the first glazing and between theframe and at least one surface of the second glazing, the sealant beingconfigured to provide a sealing to the vacuum layer, wherein the sealantcomprises: a first sealant part located between the frame and the firstsurface of the first glazing, and a second sealant part located betweenthe frame and the second surface of the second glazing.
 2. The vacuumglazing of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a metallic material. 3.The vacuum glazing of claim 2, wherein the metallic material comprises astainless material.
 4. The vacuum glazing of claim 1, wherein the framecomprises a plurality of frame parts configured to couple to cornerportions of each of the first glazing and the second glazing.
 5. Thevacuum glazing of claim 4, wherein each of the first glazing and thesecond glazing has a rectangular shape, and wherein the plurality offrame parts comprises: a first frame part configured to couple to afirst corner portion of each of the first glazing and the secondglazing; a second frame part configured to couple to a second cornerportion of each of the first glazing and the second glazing; a thirdframe part configured to couple to a third corner portion of each of thefirst glazing and the second glazing; and a fourth frame part configuredto couple to a fourth corner portion of each of the first glazing andthe second glazing.
 6. The vacuum glazing of claim 5, wherein the framehas a hollow rectangular shape.
 7. The vacuum glazing of claim 1,wherein a width of the vacuum layer is in a range of 0.18-0.22 mm in avertical direction in which the second glazing is located verticallyabove the first glazing, and wherein a thickness of the frame is in arange of 0.2-1.0 mm.
 8. The vacuum glazing of claim 7, wherein each ofthe first surface of the first glazing and the second surface of thesecond glazing comprises a portion that is coupled to the frame and thatextends by a lateral width in a range of 3-10 mm.
 9. The vacuum glazingof claim 1, wherein the second glazing is spaced apart from the firstglazing in a vertical direction, and the frame is located between thefirst glazing and the second glazing, wherein a vertical thickness ofthe frame is in a range of 0.1-1.0 mm in the vertical direction, andwherein a vertical thickness of the vacuum layer is in a range of0.18-0.22 mm in the vertical direction, the vertical thickness of thevacuum layer corresponding to a distance between the first surface ofthe first glazing and the second surface of the second glazing.
 10. Thevacuum glazing of claim 1, wherein the first glazing includes a bottomsurface that is opposite to the first surface and that is exposed to anoutside of the vacuum glazing, wherein the second glazing includes a topsurface that is opposite to the second surface and that is exposed tothe outside, and wherein the sealant is absent from each of the bottomsurface of the first glazing and the top surface of the second glazing.11. The vacuum glazing of claim 10, wherein the first glazing furtherincludes a first lateral side surface that connects the first surfaceand the bottom surface of the first glazing, wherein the second glazingfurther includes a second lateral side surface that connects the secondsurface and the top surface of the second glazing, and wherein the firstand second lateral side surfaces are exposed to the outside.
 12. Thevacuum glazing of claim 1, wherein the first sealant part contacts eachof the frame and the first surface of the first glazing, and wherein thesecond sealant part contacts each of the frame and the second surface ofthe second glazing.